From idea to reality in 24 hours: Start Something Weekend to launch on campus

Start Something Weekend, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business, is making its debut on campus March 20–21 in Richard H. Barry Hall.

This free, beginner-friendly 24-hour immersive experience is designed for students who feel a pull to build something of their own. Whether it’s a new invention, an online business, a creative project, a handmade product or something they haven’t thought of yet, they will bring their idea into form by the end of the weekend.

Participants will meet curious, creative, action-oriented peers from across campus, explore ideas, form small teams, participate in guided workshops and build something from scratch; big or small. Along the way, they’ll compete for $3,000 in total prize money awarded to standout projects that demonstrate creativity, collaboration and momentum.

“Entrepreneurship is ultimately learned by doing,” said Jon Melgaard, event coordinator for the weekend. “This compresses what could otherwise take months or years into a few days. Students don’t just hear about ideas, they test them, build them and share them.”

He adds that what makes the experience powerful is the combination of momentum, mentorship, and community. “You’re surrounded by people who are equally curious and willing to take a risk, and that environment has a way of unlocking confidence students didn’t know they had.”

Start Something Weekend is approachable for all students, especially for those who may not see themselves in a traditional, linear career path. For those who feel restless at the thought of conventional work, who want to experiment with building a brand, business, or movement, selling a product, or simply exploring what’s possible, this is a low-pressure way to start.

“It’s not about having the best startup idea,” Melgaard said. “It’s about showing progress, teamwork and a willingness to try.”

Participants leave with more than a project. “They learn that they don’t need to wait for permission to build something meaningful. They leave knowing they can create, not just consume.”

By Saturday afternoon, students who walked in unsure will be standing a little taller, speaking with more conviction.

“Those moments are powerful,” Melgaard said. “They’re often the beginning of someone seeing themselves differently; not just as a student, but as a creator, a leader or a founder.”

Start Something Weekend is free for all NDSU students and includes food, workshops and hands-on activities. Whether you have a big idea or just a spark of curiosity, this is your invitation to get a taste of entrepreneurship and build something real.

Visit startsomethingnd.com to get signed up or email ndsu.entre@ndsu.edu for more information.